Saiga-12
Kalashnikov Concern (Izhmash) · Shotgun · In Production · 1997
Also known as: Сайга-12, Saiga 12, Saiga-12K, Saiga-12S
Overview
The Saiga-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) based on the robust AK-47/AK-74 operating system. Introduced in 1997, it is the shotgun member of the Saiga family of sporting and tactical firearms. The Saiga-12 uses a long-stroke gas piston system with a rotating bolt featuring two massive lugs, directly derived from the proven Kalashnikov action. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 76mm (3-inch) magnum chamber, it feeds from detachable box magazines in 2, 5, and 8-round capacities, with aftermarket drum magazines available in 10, 12, and 20-round configurations. The adjustable two-position gas regulator allows reliable cycling of both standard 2-3/4 inch and 3-inch magnum ammunition without modification. The standard Saiga-12 features a 580mm barrel with a threaded muzzle for screw-on chokes, while the compact 12K variant uses a shorter 430mm barrel. The weapon shares significant parts commonality with AK-74 series rifles, including the receiver, trigger group, and furniture mounting points. It has been widely adopted by Russian law enforcement agencies and gained substantial popularity on the international civilian market for competition shooting, particularly in 3-gun events.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1145 mm (45.08") |
| Folded Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Barrel Length | 580 mm (22.83") |
| Height | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Width | 73 mm (2.87") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 410 m/s (1345 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 240 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Ak Pattern Receiver, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Adjustable Gas Regulator, 3 Inch Magnum Chamber, Threaded Barrel For Chokes, Side Optics Rail, Folding Stock Option, Chrome Lined Bore, Interchangeable Ak Parts
Variants
- Saiga-12S — Folding Stock
- Saiga-12K — Compact
- Saiga-12S EXP-01 — Export
- Saiga-12 Taktika — Tactical
Service history
Operators
- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD)
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB)
- Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya)
- Iraqi Security Forces
- United States Civilian Market
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Russo-Georgian War (2008)
- Iraqi Insurgency (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed. Widely exported before 2014 US sanctions; remains in continuous production for Russian domestic and international markets.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The Saiga-12 was originally designed for the Russian civilian hunting market before gaining military and law enforcement interest. Russian domestic law requires a minimum barrel length of 500mm for civilian firearms, so the short-barreled 12K variant includes a trigger lock safety that prevents firing when the stock is folded, keeping the weapon above the legal minimum overall length. Many AK-74 and Saiga parts are directly interchangeable. The adjustable gas system has two positions: 'standard' for 2-3/4 inch shells and 'magnum' for 3-inch magnum loads. In the United States, imported Saiga shotguns were popular subjects for '922(r) conversions' to restore pistol grips, folding stocks, and high-capacity magazines. Imports to the US were banned in 2014 under sanctions against Kalashnikov Concern. Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) now manufactures the KS-12, a domestically produced clone.
Background
The Saiga-12 earned a reputation as one of the most devastating competition shotguns ever made, dominating 3-gun and open division shotgun events in the United States before imports were banned in 2014. Its AK-based action proved so reliable that shooters routinely ran thousands of rounds of mixed ammunition without a single malfunction, cementing Kalashnikov's legendary reliability in a completely different weapons category.